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The Ultimate Guide to Harvesting Marijuana: A Step-by-Step ApproachUpdated 5 months ago


Now that you know when to harvest your marijuana plants, it's time to dive into the process itself. Get the tools we discussed earlier, put on some feel-good music, and wear an old T-shirt you don't mind getting a little messy. Then, follow these steps to ensure a successful harvest:


Step 1: Prepare the Harvest Space

Excess light can degrade THC, which is something no cannabis enthusiast wants. To minimize this risk:

  • Turn off any lamps in the room.
  • Cover windows with opaque sheets or tarp.
  • Consider harvesting on an overcast day.

While some light leakage won't ruin your harvest, it's best to keep the space as dark as possible.

Aim for a temperature range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and around 50% relative humidity. If you've gone through our "How to Grow Cannabis Indoors" guide, you'll know how to optimize these conditions.

Step 2: Choose Your Harvesting Method

While there are many niche cannabis harvest methods available online, we'll focus on the two most common and effective ones:

  1. Whole Plant Method: This method is quick and easy, especially for smaller cultivars. Simply cut down the entire plant and hang it to dry.

  2. Ripe Bud Method: Although more time-consuming, this technique maximizes yield and bud quality. Trim the plant from the outside-in and top-down, cutting the ripened buds first and leaving the others to mature for a few more days before harvesting them.

Step 3: Trim the Leaves

Before you harvest your marijuana, you'll need to decide whether to trim the leaves before or after drying. Here's a quick guide:

  • Trim Before Drying in Humid Environments: This helps prevent mold issues on the horizon.
  • Trim After Drying in Low-Humidity Climates: Leafless flowers can sometimes dry out too quickly.

After making your decision, hang the branches upside down and place a tray underneath to catch any falling leaves.

Step 4: Hang and Dry

Once your plants are trimmed and cut down, it's time to hang them for drying. Hang the branches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area with the appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Place a tray or cloth underneath to catch any falling leaves or debris.

Drying can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days, depending on the size of your buds and the environmental conditions. Check on your plants regularly and monitor the drying process carefully.

Step 5: Trim and Cure

After the drying process is complete, it's time to trim the buds from the branches. Use sharp, clean scissors or trimming shears to remove any remaining leaves and stems, leaving only the dense, resinous buds.

Once trimmed, place the buds in airtight containers or mason jars for the curing process. Curing helps to preserve the potency, flavor, and smoothness of your buds by allowing the remaining moisture to evaporate gradually.

Follow proper curing techniques, such as burping the jars regularly and monitoring the humidity levels, for the best results.

By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you'll be well on your way to harvesting high-quality, potent marijuana buds that you can enjoy for months to come. Remember to be patient, gentle, and attentive throughout the process, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from experienced growers if you have any questions or concerns.

Happy harvesting!

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